News Release


News Release

Outstanding College Graduates Honoured

McGuinty Government Recognizes Contribution of Ontario Graduates

NEWS

November 28, 2011

Six college graduates are receiving a Premier's Award for exceptional success in their career and significant contribution to their communities.

Each year Ontario presents awards in six categories to acknowledge the social and economic contribution college graduates make to the province and throughout the world.

The 2011 Premier's Awards recipients are:

  • Business – Geoffrey Stephens, Georgian College; graduated in 1984
  • Community Services – Brenda Combs, Sault College; graduated in 1982
  • Creative Arts & Design – Jon Cassar, Algonquin College; graduated in 1983
  • Health Sciences – Rahul Singh, Humber College; graduated in 1993
  • Technology – Jerry Howell, Niagara College; graduated in 1988
  • Recent Graduate – Teenaz Javat, Sheridan College; program of study: Canadian Journalism for Internationally Trained Writers; graduated in 2008

Ontario's investment in postsecondary education is an important element of Putting Students First, the McGuinty government's plan to build a highly skilled and educated workforce, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future.

QUOTES

"Ontario's colleges have produced a number of exceptional graduates who have gone on to achieve amazing success in their life and career. Many of these graduates have created jobs for others and helped our economy grow and prosper. The Premier's Awards acknowledge their accomplishments and their contribution to society."
– Glen Murray, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

QUICK FACTS

  • 83 per cent of 2009-10 college graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
  • In 2010-11, an estimated 180,540 students were enrolled full-time at Ontario's publicly funded colleges.
  • The Premier's Awards were created in 1992 and are presented annually. Recipients receive a bronze medal and $5,000 to direct to their college for student bursaries.

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